N.Z. Gymnastic Championships

The New Zealand Gymnastic Championships, which were held over three days in the Y.M.C.A. stadium during the August school holidays attracted 140 entries from throughout New Zealand, and three from New South Wales, Australia.

The championships were well supported by local spectators, the stadium being packed to capacity on more than one occasion.

Highlight of the championships from the local point of view was the double victory obtained on the trampoline by John Callahan in the men's section, and Shona Buscke in the women's section.

In the youth's B grade, Bruce Horsburgh won the vaulting section, and finished with an overall placing of fourth.

The success of the championships was a personal victory for Gisborne physical education instructor John McFarlane, who organised them virtually single-handed. For his efforts, he was awarded honorary membership of the N.Z. Association.

Competitors line the floor of the stadium for the official opening

Organiser of the championships, Mr John McFarlane, adjusts a piece of equipment.

Visiting Australians Kirsty MacFarlane (above) and Jan Tonissen warm up for their floor exercise. Jan won her section and Kirsty was 3rd.

A gymnast competes in the floor exercise while in the background a girl goes through her routine on the uneven bars.

Outstanding girl competitor was Trudy Smith of Auckland.

Men's A grade champion G. Howard performs on the rings

Australian visitor Andrew Berriman was placed second in the Youths' A grade

Winner of the Gymnast of the Year award, Warwick Orr (right), with Mr R. N. Larkin, president of the N.Z. Association.

Gisborne's John Callahan shows the form which won him the men's trampoline title.

Winner of the women's title, Shona Buscke, performed with precision.

Marjorie Buscke, Rotorua, and formerly of Gisborne, competing in the vaulting section.

Diana Jones works out on the uneven bars

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 135 : September 8, 1965

N.Z. Gymnastic Championships